13 ways Canadian SME’s can improve on their dismal export rates

For all the talk about Canada being a trading nation, we aren’t when it comes to small and medium sized enterprises. While SME’s account for roughly 95 percent of all companies in Canada, and create 65 percent of all jobs, Canadian SME export rates are at less than 2 percent.

Doug Taylor, CITP|FIBP

Doug, CITP|FIBP, is the Managing Director of Pacific Business Intelligence Ltd. (PBI). PBI provides professional consulting services in the core areas of international business development, strategic market planning and corporate guidance. PBI has undertaken assignments in over thirty countries in East and West Europe, Asia, North America, the Middle East and the Caribbean for private industry, governments and international organizations.

Illia Dumbadze, CITP|FIBP – Logistics Supervisor

A dedicated logistics supervisor with a passion for supply chain management and international trade, Illia has developed a wealth of experience in major international corporations around the world. He has worked in many countries in North America, the UK, Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) over the course of his seven year career in global trade.

Pamela Hyatt

I am the Content Marketing Specialist for the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT). You can find some of my work on TradeReady.ca. My background is in copywriting, journalism and social media. My passion lies in connecting people to the stories that are most important to them.

International Trade Compliance Analyst – Cargill

As an International Trade Compliance Analyst you will be responsible for ensuring Business Unit (BU) compliance with the regulations of the United States and foreign governments related to the international movement of goods with a focus on executing the control framework established by the Tax and Customs Center Of Expertise (COE).

Are Canadian exporters playing with a stacked deck?

Canadian exporters begin international negotiations with a negotiating deck already stacked in their favour, but this is an asset that many are not aware of.

Ennio Vita-Finzi, CITP|FIBP

Ennio Vita-Finzi is a Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) and was a Trade Commissioner in Europe, Latin America and the US as well as President of the Canadian Council for the Americas during NAFTA negotiations. He has been a multinational executive and entrepreneur and is now a College lecturer, keynote speaker, and author based in Montreal. (e.vita-finzi@sympatico.ca)

9 incredible statistics that show the importance and scale of international trade

Despite its critical importance, most people probably have no clear picture of the real scope of international trade. Here are some incredible international trade statistics to help give perspective to this crucial industry.

Bennett O'Brien

Bennett O'Brien is a freelance writer from the state of Massachusetts in the United States. He holds a bachelor's degree from Westfield State University, and graduated cum laude. Currently he is expanding his freelance writing career, and enjoying the opportunity to write on a variety of business topics.

Optimistic about US – Cuba Trade? Not so fast!

When President Obama announced in April that the U.S. State Department would finally be taking Cuba off the list of state sponsors of terrorism, it set in motion a sense of optimism that diplomatic relations and trade would soon go back to normal with the Caribbean island country. However, US – Cuba trade is off to a slow start.

Jacqueline Côté

I am a working journalist, with experience as SNL Financial’s Canadian correspondent for its Mining and Metals vertical. I also served as the Managing Editor for Central Asia Newswire – covering daily economic and investment news in the region – as well as Features Editor for the Washington-based Magharebia.com, which covers developments in the North Africa region. I have been published in The Montreal Gazette, The Guardian (UK), The New Statesman (UK), Red Pepper (UK), Geopolitical Monitor and CNN.com.

Damien Violante, CITP|FIBP – Product Purchaser

Damien Violante is a Product Purchaser and Team Leader with over 10 years of experience in the industrial field.
Over the duration of his career, he has worked in all areas of supply chain management in an industrial setting, developing expertise in sourcing, purchasing, supplier relationship management and negotiation in North America and Europe.

Pamela Hyatt

I am the Content Marketing Specialist for the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT). You can find some of my work on TradeReady.ca. My background is in copywriting, journalism and social media. My passion lies in connecting people to the stories that are most important to them.

Trade Finance Services Representative – Bank of America

The Trade Finance Services Representative of the Canada Trade Operations team performs a variety of typically non-routine support functions related to trade finance servicing by following established practices and procedures.

Global Trade Specialist – L Brands

The Global Trade Specialist is responsible for the coordination of the documentation required by U.S. Customs and Border Protection for the import entry of goods into the United States.